[Winter Songs] Classic Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter.

Midwinter Datetenchi mari

Mari Amachi ☆ Midwinter Date

Mari Amachi, who was a national idol in the early 1970s.

This song, included as the B-side of the single “Futari no Nichiyoubi,” released in December 1972, warmly depicts lovers intertwining their fingers and snuggling close as a wintry, leafless avenue is swept by a cold wind.

The lyrics are by Michio Yamagami, the music by Masayuki Hirao, and the arrangement by Shunichi Makaino.

The words, which sing of love nurtured in the cold season, combine with Amachi’s clear, transparent voice to evoke a sense of hope amid the poignancy.

Featured on a single that sold about 440,000 copies at the time, the track was also included on the album “Ashita e no Melody” and has continued to be loved by fans.

Give it a listen while imagining a moment spent with someone special on a chilly day.

STILL LOVE HER (A Lost Landscape)TM NETWORK

STILL LOVE HER (A Lost Landscape)

“STILL LOVE HER (The Lost Scenery),” which was also used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter 2, is beloved by many as a quintessential winter song.

Included on the album CAROL ~A DAY IN A GIRL’S LIFE 1991~, released in December 1988, the track is known as one of TM NETWORK’s signature songs.

Built on a synthesizer-driven, ballad-like arrangement, it features a memorable harmonica solo by Naoto Kine.

The lyrics, depicting scenes of London, weave in lingering feelings for a lost love and bittersweet emotions, skillfully incorporating wintry images like winter sunlight and December constellations.

This heartwarming song has continued to be cherished by listeners over many years as a piece that you want to hear during the cold season.

December RainArai Yumi

December Rain / Jyunigatsu No Ame

This song, which captures the loneliness of winter and the bittersweet longing for a love that has passed, is a gem that represents the early work of Yumi Arai.

Released in October 1974 and included on the album MISSLIM, it features a restrained band performance as its foundation, while the beautiful choral work by Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki leaves a strong impression.

There is even an anecdote that Yamashita agreed to join the recording on the condition that he handle the chorus arrangement.

Set against a winter scene of December rain, a quiet nostalgia for days that will never return rises to the surface.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to softly by a window streaked with cold rain, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of the past.

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Sayuri Ishikawa’s universally recognized signature song, released in 1977 as her 15th single.

It was the track that marked her transformation from an idol debutante into a full-fledged enka singer, earning her the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards among many other honors and securing its place as a major hit.

Depicting the feelings of a woman heading north, the song has been covered by numerous famous artists such as Sachiko Kobayashi and Masayoshi Yamazaki, and has also been covered overseas in Mandarin and Taiwanese versions—spreading across the sea and winning hearts throughout Asia.

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Outside, it’s a night of white snow.yoshida takurou

Outside, it’s a night of white snow.

It’s a classic that beautifully paints a winter scene.

Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics and Takuro Yoshida’s soul-stirring voice create a perfect harmony.

The lyrics, depicting a heartbreaking farewell in the falling snow, will resonate deeply with listeners.

Included on the album Rolling 30, released in November 1978, this song has since appeared in various versions on later albums and has become a live favorite.

The fact that many artists—such as Diamond✩Yukai and Akiko Wada—have covered it also speaks to its enduring appeal.

On a cold winter night, when you feel like looking back on memories with a loved one, give it a listen.

You’re sure to spend a moving, heartwarming time.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

A song that seeps into the listener’s heart like falling snow.

Released in February 1986, this number is known as one of Ikuzo Yoshi’s signature works.

It beautifully depicts the snowy countryside and a bittersweet love, becoming a huge hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Yoshi’s warm vocals gently envelop hearts shivering in the winter cold.

This piece also marked a turning point for Yoshi—who had been strongly associated with comic songs—helping him establish himself as a bona fide enka singer.

It’s a perfect listen on a cold winter night when you find yourself thinking of someone.

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

Takashi Hosokawa / North Tavern [Live Video]

A classic song that portrays an encounter and romance in a northern tavern.

Released in March 1982 as Takashi Hosokawa’s 18th single, it was created by the duo of Rei Nakanishi and Taiji Nakamura, and leans more toward a light, pop-kayō style than traditional enka.

It depicts a man and woman seeking warmth on a chilly night, set to a heartwarming melody.

The song became a major hit, ranking fifth on Oricon’s annual chart for 1982.

It’s a tune perfect for long winter nights, best enjoyed while pleasantly tipsy and taking it slow.

Its singable phrases and conversational vocal style are a perfect match.

Highly recommended for anyone spending the cold season while picturing nostalgic Showa-era scenes.